The Washington Nationals announced plans Wednesday to display a Black Lives Matter squad on the pitcher’s mound during their first game of the season against the New York Yankees on Thursday night, in a move that MLB said all teams they will have the option to do.
The Nationals said in a statement that they intend to “use the Opening Day platform and national stage to express their support for the fight against systemic racism and injustice,” ESPN reported.
AARON JUDGE IN STARTING GAMES DURING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM: “THAT IS THE BEAUTY OF AMERICA”
In addition, MLB is also allowing players to have social justice messages patched on their shirts for opening day, ESPN reported separately.
The Nationals announced earlier this week that Dr. Anthony Fauci would also launch the first pitch before Thursday’s game.
LIVE SPORTS READY TRUMP BUT SAYS IT WILL NOT TUNE IF PLAYERS KNEE DURING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM: “THE GAME IS OVER FOR ME”
“The Washington Nationals are delighted to announce that Nats super fan Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has accepted our invitation to launch the first ceremonial launch on Opening Day, Thursday 23 of July”. The statement read.
Dr. Fauci was seen wearing a Nationals mask during several appearances. He has expressed many times that the return of sports is important, and now he will play a key role in baseball’s return to the diamond.
The Nationals also plan to use Thursday night’s game to honor first responders on the front line in the fight against COVID-19.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE AT FOXNEWS.COM
It should be an epic showdown between defending World Series champions Nationals and the Yankees. Washington is expected to send ace Max Scherzer to the mound, and New York will likely counter with its big offseason acquisition, Gerrit Cole. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET, and will be televised on ESPN.
However, eager Yankees and Nats fans will likely have to wait another 24 hours, as weather forecasts predict a 40-60% chance of rain in the DC area during game time.
Fox News’ Daniel Canova contributed to this report.
